Emotional Damages: Practical Insights into Forensic Psychiatry for Litigating Attorneys

This episode of Emotional Damages features Dr. Mark Levy, fpamed Medical Director and forensic psychiatrist,  in conversation with Dr. Michelle Ward—psychologist, neuroscientist, and acclaimed crime documentary and podcast host. Dr. Ward shares her pioneering research on psychopathy, the biological and environmental roots of violent offending, and the evolving science of predicting predatory behavior. From her groundbreaking MRI studies on murderers to her consulting work on high-profile criminal trials, Dr. Ward offers lawyers and forensic professionals a rare insider’s perspective on where cutting-edge brain science meets the real world of criminal litigation.Dr. Ward also hosts two highly regarded podcasts: The Mind of a Murderer and Look Who’s Stalking, where she continues to explore the psychology and science behind the world’s most complex criminal minds.Key Topics Discussed:How brain imaging and neuroscience are reshaping our understanding of psychopathy and criminal behaviorGenetic and environmental influences on violent and predatory conductKey findings from the Southern California Twin ProjectChallenges and ethics of profiling “future risk” in children and adultsBehind-the-scenes of crime documentaries and real-world expert consulting Have a topic you would like covered on the pod? 📧 Email us: podcast@fpamed.com🔗 Connect with fpamed: 🌐 Visit our website.👋 Follow us on LinkedIn.

In this episode of Emotional Damages, Dr. Ambarin Faizi sits down with Dr. Ashley VanDercar, fpamed forensic psychiatry associate, to explore how experts assess two of the most complex and high-stakes issues in forensic psychiatry: malingering and violence risk. Together, they explore the intricacies of malingering assessments and the importance of comprehensive record reviews. Dr. VanDercar then provides nuanced insights into violence risk factors, particularly in the context of severe mental illness. The episode concludes with practical advice for attorneys on effective collaboration with forensic psychiatric experts, emphasizing the synergy between legal context and psychiatric evaluation.Key Topics Discussed:Potential presentations of malingering (pure, partial, or false imputation)How experts seek to differentiate genuine symptoms from feigned or exaggerated onesThe notion of violence risk factors, and how experts assess violence riskWhy attorney–expert collaboration strengthens the precision of forensic opinions Have a topic you would like covered on the pod? 📧 Email us: podcast@fpamed.com🔗 Connect with fpamed: 🌐 Visit our website.👋 Follow us on LinkedIn.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual violence and paraphilic disorders. Listener discretion is advised. The content may be distressing or triggering for some listeners.In this episode, Dr. Ambarin Faizi is joined by Dr. Brian Holoyda, Chief Psychiatrist for Contra Costa County’s detention facilities and an internationally recognized expert on paraphilic disorders and sexual violence risk assessment. The conversation guides attorneys through the complexities of forensic assessments in sexually violent predator (SVP) cases, paraphilic disorder diagnosis, and the pivotal role of standardized risk assessment tools.Key Topics Discussed:The distinction between paraphilias and paraphilic disorders in psychiatric diagnosisCritical elements and instruments in sexual violence risk assessment: Static-99R, SVR-20, Stable-2007How legal decisions hinge on psychiatric diagnoses and structured risk evaluationsComparisons between U.S. and international forensic psychiatric practiceAttorney strategies for challenging or supporting risk assessment findings in court Have a topic you would like covered on the pod? 📧 Email us: podcast@fpamed.com🔗 Connect with fpamed: 🌐 Visit our website.👋 Follow us on LinkedIn.

In this episode of Emotional Damages, host Dr. Ambarin Faizi sits down with Dr. Paul Elizondo, a triple board-certified psychiatrist in General, Child & Adolescent, and Forensic Psychiatry. Dr. Elizondo breaks down how trauma manifests differently depending on age and developmental stage, how preexisting conditions (like ADHD or learning disorders) can shape recovery, and why careful forensic interviewing is essential to maintaining reliability. Attorneys will gain insights into evaluating credibility, understanding concepts like “child sexual abuse accommodation syndrome,” and appreciating the lifelong impact untreated trauma can have on both individuals and outcomes in litigation.Key Topics Discussed:How childhood trauma looks in a 5-year-old versus a 15-year-oldThe influence of parents’ trauma responses on child recoveryPreexisting vulnerabilities vs. resilience factors in trauma casesThe pitfalls of poor forensic interviewing and how it influences credibilityThe role of forensic psychiatry in sentencing and diversion programsWhy attorney awareness of trauma-informed approaches is critical in litigation Have a topic you would like covered on the pod? 📧 Email us: podcast@fpamed.com🔗 Connect with fpamed: 🌐 Visit our website.👋 Follow us on LinkedIn.

In this special bonus episode of Emotional Damages, Dr. Ambarin Faizi brings together lessons from two powerhouse experts—Dr. Shafi Lodhi, forensic psychiatrist and neurologist, and Dr. Howard Friedman, board-certified forensic neuropsychologist—to break down the complexities of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in litigation.Key topics discussed include:How TBI affects cognition, mood, and behaviorWhy testing and imaging don’t always alignHow experts assess malingering in brain injury claimsThe intersection of neurology and psychology in forensic evaluationsRed flags attorneys should watch for in TBI reports  Have a topic you would like covered on the pod? 📧 Email us: podcast@fpamed.com🔗 Connect with fpamed: 🌐 Visit our website.👋 Follow us on LinkedIn.

In this episode of Emotional Damages, Dr. Ambarin Faizi welcomes Dr. Howard Friedman, board-certified neuropsychologist and clinical psychologist with over 12,000 evaluations to his name. Together, they explore the role of psychological and neuropsychological testing in litigation, from emotional injuries to cognitive impairments.Key topics discussed include:The difference between psychological and neuropsychological assessmentsHow malingering and effort are objectively detectedThe Rorschach’s value (and controversy) in forensic casesCommon tools like the MMPI, PAI, and WMS-IVHow to evaluate testamentary capacity and undue influenceWhy test security matters—and what’s at stake in California lawDr. Howard Friedman is a board-certified neuropsychologist and clinical psychologist with fpamed. He has completed over 12,000 psychological and neuropsychological evaluations in civil, criminal, and testamentary matters. A past president of the Northern California Neuropsychology Forum, Dr. Friedman has also held numerous leadership roles in local and state psychological associations. Have a topic you would like covered on the pod? 📧 Email us: podcast@fpamed.com🔗 Connect with fpamed: 🌐 Visit our website.👋 Follow us on LinkedIn.

In this episode of Emotional Damages, Dr. Ambarin Faizi speaks with Dr. James Armontrout, forensic psychiatrist and Program Director of the Stanford Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship. Drawing on his extensive experience treating veterans with PTSD and conducting over hundreds of forensic evaluations, Dr. Armontrout offers attorneys an in-depth look at how trauma unfolds, how PTSD is diagnosed, and what distinguishes reliable psychiatric assessments in litigation.Key topics discussed include:What separates acute trauma from chronic PTSD in legal claimsHow forensic psychiatrists distinguish genuine symptoms from exaggerationWhat modern PTSD treatment really looks like—and why it's relevant to litigationThe roles of psychological testing and interview structure in reliable assessmentsHow multi-plaintiff cases benefit from expert coordination and team-based evaluationWhether you're handling a single plaintiff or a complex multi-plaintiff case, this episode will help you better understand how PTSD fits into the legal landscape.Dr. James Armontrout is a forensic psychiatrist at fpamed and the Program Director of the Stanford Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship. He previously served as a staff psychiatrist at the VA Palo Alto Trauma Recovery Program, where he treated veterans with PTSD and substance use disorders. He specializes in trauma-related and substance use disorders. Have a topic you would like covered on the pod? 📧 Email us: podcast@fpamed.com🔗 Connect with fpamed: 🌐 Visit our website.👋 Follow us on LinkedIn.

In this episode of Emotional Damages, Dr. Ambarin Faizi is joined by Dr. Ayesha Ashai, a board-certified forensic psychiatrist, as she shares personal experiences that led her to the field, her encounters with criminal and civil forensic evaluations, including a memorable insanity defense case. She addresses the complexities of psychopathy, cultural psychiatry, and the disparities in mental health care, particularly within correctional settings. Dr. Ashai also talks about the expanding role of telepsychiatry post-COVID, her upcoming projects, including a potential presentation on the Menendez brothers, and offers practical advice for attorneys engaging with forensic psychiatrists.Key topics include: How forensic psychiatrists evaluate criminal intent and mental illnessThe challenges of evaluating psychopathy and the myths surrounding the disorderCultural psychiatry in criminal cases—why understanding background and belief systems matterThe role of forensic psychiatrists in building or challenging a legal defenseHow attorneys can leverage forensic psychiatry for trial strategyDr. Ashai has been featured in true crime media, including Pathological: The Lies of Joran Van der Sloot on Peacock. If you’re an attorney looking to strengthen your approach to forensic evaluations or simply fascinated by the intersection of psychiatry and law, this episode is a must-listen. Have a topic you would like covered on the pod? 📧 Email us: podcast@fpamed.com🔗 Connect with fpamed: 🌐 Visit our website.👋 Follow us on LinkedIn.

How do courts determine whether someone had the mental capacity to sign a will or whether they were manipulated into making estate decisions? In this episode of Emotional Damages, host Dr. Ambarin Faizi sits down with forensic psychiatrist Dr. Mark Levy and estate litigation attorney Dewey Harpainter to explore the complexities of testamentary capacity and undue influence in estate disputes.Key topics discussed include:The legal and psychiatric criteria for testamentary capacityHow undue influence is identified and proven in courtThe role of forensic psychiatry in evaluating estate and trust disputesWhy retrospective capacity evaluations are challenging but critical in litigationKey considerations for attorneys handling will contests and trust disputesFor attorneys navigating estate litigation, elder law, or capacity-related claims, this episode provides essential insights into the intersection of law, mental health, and forensic psychiatry. Have a topic you would like covered on the pod? 📧 Email us: podcast@fpamed.com🔗 Connect with fpamed: 🌐 Visit our website.👋 Follow us on LinkedIn.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents unique challenges in both clinical and forensic settings. In this episode, host Dr. Ambarin Faizi sits down with Dr. Bryna Siegel, an autism expert, researcher, and forensic consultant, to break down the complexities in legal cases involving ASD.Key topics discussed include:The evolution of autism diagnoses and the impact of the DSM changesThe intersection of autism and forensic psychiatry in civil and criminal litigationMisconceptions about autism, including the role of IQ, memory, and social understandingThe challenges of assessing ASD in forensic evaluations, including self-diagnosis trendsHow attorneys can better understand autism-related claims and work effectively with experts Have a topic you would like covered on the pod? 📧 Email us: podcast@fpamed.com🔗 Connect with fpamed: 🌐 Visit our website.👋 Follow us on LinkedIn.

Dr. Ambarin Faizi is joined by two esteemed guests: Dr. Charles Saldanha, Co-Medical Director of fpamed and a forensic psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience, and Attorney Jon Daggett, Managing Partner at Hiroshima & Daggett Law Firm. Together, they explore the complex intersection of psychiatry and law in cases involving adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.Key topics discussed include:The potential psychological impacts of childhood trauma, including PTSD and depression.Legal challenges in evaluating trauma decades after the events occurred.Changes in statutes of limitations and their implications for litigation.The critical role of forensic psychiatrists in providing evidence-based assessments to assist the legal system. Have a topic you would like covered on the pod? 📧 Email us: podcast@fpamed.com🔗 Connect with fpamed: 🌐 Visit our website.👋 Follow us on LinkedIn.

In this episode of Emotional Damages: Practical Insights into Forensic Psychiatry for Litigating Attorneys, Dr. Ambarin Faizi speaks with Dr. Charles Saldanha, fpamed Co-Medical Director and a seasoned forensic psychiatrist, about the unique challenges and rewards of delivering psychiatric care within the correctional system.Key topics discussed:The complexities of providing care in jails, from addressing acute mental health needs to ensuring continuity of care.The interplay between healthcare teams and custody staff in promoting safety and therapeutic outcomes.The evolving standards of care for incarcerated individuals, shaped by landmark legal cases and consent decrees. Have a topic you would like covered on the pod? 📧 Email us: podcast@fpamed.com🔗 Connect with fpamed: 🌐 Visit our website.👋 Follow us on LinkedIn.

In the pilot episode of 'Emotional Damages: Practical Insights into Forensic Psychiatry for Litigating Attorneys,' Dr. Ambarin Faizi, alongside the esteemed Dr. Mark Levy, discusses the integral role of forensic psychiatric experts in the legal system, highlighting the differences between treating and forensic psychiatrists. Dr. Levy recounts his illustrious career path and the evolution of the successful forensic psychiatric group he founded (Forensic Psychiatric Associates, LP). Together, Dr. Faizi and Dr. Levy shed light on common misconceptions, discuss the importance of forensic training and offer practical advice for attorneys working with forensic experts. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives and learn how forensic psychiatry can significantly impact legal proceedings. Have a topic you would like covered on the pod? 📧 Email us: podcast@fpamed.com🔗 Connect with fpamed: 🌐 Visit our website.👋 Follow us on LinkedIn.

Welcome to Emotional Damages: Practical Insights into Forensic Psychiatry for Litigating Attorneys, brought to you by fpamed. In this trailer, host Dr. Ambarin Faizi, a double board-certified forensic psychiatrist, introduces the podcast and shares her  journey into forensic psychiatry and sets the stage for a valuable resource that bridges the gap between forensic psychiatry and legal practice.Emotional Damages aims to demystify forensic psychiatry for attorneys through engaging interviews, case analyses, and practical insights. Dr. Faizi explains the podcast’s mission: to provide attorneys with actionable knowledge to navigate the intersection of psychiatry and the law, enhancing courtroom strategies and collaboration with forensic experts.Dr. Faizi discusses her diverse background—from her early exposure to media and communication to her passion for medicine and forensic psychiatry. She reflects on pivotal moments in her career, including her training at UC Davis, and how her experience evaluating emotional damages, trauma, psychological harm, and competencies shaped her professional path.Tune in and discover how Emotional Damages can help you gain practical insights to strengthen your understanding of forensic psychiatry and its role in the legal system. Have a topic you would like covered on the pod? 📧 Email us: podcast@fpamed.com🔗 Connect with fpamed: 🌐 Visit our website.👋 Follow us on LinkedIn.